The start of a new year often comes with pressure to do more, grow faster, and fix everything at once. In this season opener of the Folding Towels Podcast, Jackie and David take a different approach.

We talk about setting the tone for the year ahead, not through rigid goal setting, but through clarity, learning, and intentional decisions that support long-term practice sustainability.

In this episode we cover:

Why early-year planning should focus on direction rather than overload.

Two standout professional development opportunities for therapists working with chronic and persistent pain:

• The Australian Traditional Medicine Society Integrative Pain Science Symposium (21 February, Sydney + livestream);
• The Massage & Myotherapy Australia Conference 2026, focused on multidisciplinary care for chronic pain.

David’s current experiment using ChatGPT as a thinking and planning tool, particularly for building a targeted, sensible marketing plan without burnout.

Jackie’s priorities for 2026, including sustainability, clinical depth, and energy management.

David’s plans for a more focused, intentional year that balances business, learning, and life.

This episode is for massage therapists who want to work well, think clearly, and build a year they can sustain.

Links mentioned in the episode

ATMS Integrative Pain Science Symposium (21 Feb, Sydney + Livestream)

⁠https://atms-integrative-pain-science-symposium-2026.eventsair.site/⁠

Massage & Myotherapy Australia Conference – May 2026 ⁠https://www.massagemyotherapy.com.au/Professionalism-and-Excellence/2026-National-Conference⁠

Elevate with Gael – Mini Courses ⁠https://www.massageandspasuccess.com/store⁠

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Theme Music: Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

We wrap up the year with a fast, fun look back at our favourite moments, big laughs, unexpected lessons, and the episodes that made 2025 unforgettable.

Join Jackie and David for a light, joyful finale as we celebrate the wins, thank our listeners, and share what’s coming next year.

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "The Twelve Days of Christmas Jazzy Version", Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc

December hits. Schedules implode. Clients shuffle like mad. And every therapist asks the same thing: should I just take a break? David and Jackie cut through the chaos with a fast, honest look at Tetris Month, why January goes flaky, and how to protect your sanity. Learn how to plan time off, set boundaries, manage client expectations, and actually return rested rather than wrecked.

We chat about what it really means to pause, breathe, and take a holiday. the seasonal rhythms, the emotional load of December, and how to communicate time off with kindness and clarity.

From creating space to rest to easing gently back into work, this episode offers a gentle reminder that breaks aren’t indulgent. They’re essential.

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Theme Music: Simon Pettersson "All Alone" (2020), Licensed use through Audio Hero Inc